Tow vehicle for 233s

lps65 · 08-30-2012, 07:28 PM

Any suggestions for tow vehicles for a Shamrock 233s.

MtnGuy · 08-30-2012, 07:52 PM

Since that puppy has a pretty hefty (unloaded) hitch weight of 647 lbs., at least a 1/2 ton pickup with a 7500 lb. or higher tow rating. A full sized SUV might work OK if you can keep the passenger load and cargo weights down. At the least a 120" wheelbase, but I think most of the full-sized SUVs and the trucks should be over that.

fx4roo · 08-30-2012, 08:12 PM

I tow a Roo233s with a 2010 F150 with the 5.4 and Max tow package. It tows well and I have never had a problem with hills, I could go faster but choose not to when there is a passing lane. The hitch weight is pretty high so watch out for that when loading the TV.

Triguy · 08-30-2012, 08:29 PM

Welcome.

We're a family of five with a golden. Our Sequoia is fully loaded and getting close to the maximum for the 233S and we will be overweight our tow capacity in the next two years as our three kids get older. The towing capacity of the Sequoia is more than enough to pull the 233S and is a great towing SUV but keep in mind the other ratings.

I assume by your choice of trailer that you have a few kids or another need for three beds. The problem with a family-sized vehicle is the TV's tow cap, so pay special attention to that and make sure you plan ahead.

So, the question is how many people do you intend to camp with and what's the total weight?

themiddletonz · 08-30-2012, 10:42 PM

Like Triguy we also are a family of five with a large dog. We tow with a Nissan Titan crewcab short box 4x4 it comes with tow-mode and extendable mirrors. I have a canopy on mine that the dog rides in when all three kids are with us. The Titan has a very large rear slide down window that the dog uses to gain access to the canopy. This is crucial as the canopy door only raises half way when hooked up to the trailer, hits the electric tongue jack.

The truck has lots of power for towing our roo233s and it handles nicely. It does like gas though.

**bikendan** · 08-30-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lps65

Any suggestions for tow vehicles for a Shamrock 233s.

it would if you provided more info, like: truck or SUV, how many riding, where do you live and plan to camp?

with just two people, a regular cab v-8 truck would do.

biken201 · 08-30-2012, 10:49 PM

We're towing our 233S with a Ram 3500 DRW 6.7 cummins. We don't have any problems pulling the trailer up hills... Yes, I'm being a smart-aleck ;-) Our truck is WAY overkill for the Roo, but we plan to eventually upgrade MUCH bigger and wanted to be ready. I figure it's better to have more truck than I need than need more truck than I have...

crasher · 08-31-2012, 10:30 AM

I'd warn agaist a full sized SUV as a tow vehicle for a trailer that heavy. These big SUV's have a car suspension, not a truck suspension - so they have low payloads. Coupled with the fact that they are really heavy. They may drive around town fine loaded up with the kids, but attach a trailer and they run out of steam.

A crew cab 1/2 ton may do fine if rated for the weights. They are generally lighter than the big SUV, so there is more reserve capacity with the same engine. Also the heavier suspension will make for a more stable tow.

Good luck.

TURBS · 08-31-2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wincrasher

I'd warn agaist a full sized SUV as a tow vehicle for a trailer that heavy. These big SUV's have a car suspension, not a truck suspension - so they have low payloads. Coupled with the fact that they are really heavy. They may drive around town fine loaded up with the kids, but attach a trailer and they run out of steam.

A crew cab 1/2 ton may do fine if rated for the weights. They are generally lighter than the big SUV, so there is more reserve capacity with the same engine. Also the heavier suspension will make for a more stable tow.

Good luck.

Since when do full size suv's have car suspensions ?

crasher · 08-31-2012, 10:43 AM

They have a coil spring/shock absorber setup and not leaf spring. Look at the pic I posted of my Suburban. Same for an Expedition. Armada and Sequoia owners can comment of theirs, but I doubt they are different.

That's why they ride so nice.

TURBS · 08-31-2012, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wincrasher

They have a coil spring/shock absorber setup and not leaf spring. Look at the pic I posted of my Suburban. Same for an Expedition. Armada and Sequoia owners can comment of theirs, but I doubt they are different.

That's why they ride so nice.

My suburban has leafs

Happy Vibe · 08-31-2012, 11:31 AM

So wincrasher the RAM truck has a car suspension as it has coil springs ?

Triguy · 08-31-2012, 11:46 AM

Its perfectly fine to tow with an SUV within its ratings if that is what is best for a family. You don't need a pickup for this trailer

.

As to the question about suspension, it is correct that payload generally suffers. As I wrote above, its not the towing power, but the payload. By the way, my Sequoia is derived from the Toyota Tundra but differs in its use of a fully boxed frame and independent suspension (Double wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bars IIRC).

More important than discussing the particulars of various suspension systems is the question does the TV/TT combo work within the various ratings?

crasher · 08-31-2012, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

So wincrasher the RAM truck has a car suspension as it has coil springs ?

The must have borrowed that from the Fiat 500!

lps65 · 09-16-2012, 08:00 PM

We are a family of 7. (kids are 10 years old and under) We have been tenting and traveling in 2 vehicles. Our Dodge Ram served us this summer towing for local trips. We want to move to a Suburban 1500 or Expedition xl. Could either get it done? I want to avoid owning a 12 passenger 1 ton church van.

wyo700 · 09-17-2012, 12:01 AM

I would go with a suburban 2500 if I was you.

Triguy · 09-17-2012, 10:09 AM

I would agree with the 3/4 ton suburban. You will gain something like 600lbs of payload and the combined weight of a family of seven with a 233S's tongue weight will soon eat up a 1/2 ton's payload.

The 233S will probably have a tongue weight between 650 and 700lbs depending on how much you carry and how you load it.

Add 650 lbs to the weight of your family in the truck and the typical 1,400-1,500lb payload in a 1/2 ton suburban will soon be eaten up and you'll probably be over the rating. If the kids are young and you think its close, make sure to plan on the future for when they get bigger.

jeeplj8 · 09-17-2012, 10:32 AM

Last time I checked, the Denali (both short and long) came with an air ride rear that will level out the rear. Though I think they say max tongue weight is around 650 lbs.

The 3/4 ton will do much better.

The problem with an SUV is that it like driving a pickup with 1500 lbs of steel and glass in the bed.

Monty580 · 10-14-2012, 02:58 PM

I tow my 233s with a 2011 Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7 Hemi, pulls it just fine.

BadCompany5 · 11-06-2012, 05:34 PM

I would look into a Nissan Armada. Ours is an 2006 SE with the tow package. Rated to pull 9100LBS with a 910lb tongue weight. As others have said, just watch what you load up in the truck. We have three kids, the oldest being 6, so all three of my kids are about 120LBS total. As of right now, there are no weight issues, but are planning for the future. Hello 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel

Should pull your 233s just fine.

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